Trucking Companies: What to Consider When Looking for an Employer

Getting started as a trucker means a lot of things. It opens doors to new experiences, great pay, travel, and a variety of other things you can only experience on the open road. But for those who have not been in the trucking industry for a while, finding a good trucking company can seem difficult.

There are many things that new truckers should be looking for in a trucking company, so they must get good information so they can make an informed decision about where to apply or work.

In this article, we will go over some of the most important things to look for in a trucking company so that you can find the best employer and make the most of your trucking career. 

The Reputation

Just like many other kinds of companies, the reputation of a trucking company is incredibly important. Spend ample time researching what the company is known for and what its employees think of the company. Look at company websites and compare their mission statements so that you can find a company that fits your moral and ethical criteria.

Read reviews and explore their social media platforms but remember that social media and reviews are not always 100% honest.

Quality of the Equipment

Because you are a driver, you will spend a lot of time in the truck. For this reason, your comfort and your safety are incredibly important. Look at the types of trucks that companies have in their fleet and do some research to find out how old they are. If you can, get in touch with a current driver in the company to get a user's opinion on the trucks.

Driving Styles/Freight Types

Knowing what you want and are looking for from your driving job is very important. Look at the types of freight that the company is trucking. Make sure that the freight the company is hauling is the type of freight that you are comfortable with and interested in hauling.

Additionally, look at the driving styles that the company offers. Does it have regional/local options or is it all cross-country? Can this company meet your lifestyle preferences or health requirements? Do not be afraid to ask questions about the company.

Benefits

Trucking is a taxing job, so you want to make sure that the company you end up working for gives you good benefits. The benefits should be protected while you are working for the company and in the future.

Companies that offer 401K plans with a company match, as well as health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and paid time off, are going to be the best ones for your benefits package.

Payment

Take your payment into consideration as well. Compare the different salaries offered by different trucking companies so that you can get a comprehensive idea of what payment looks like for the job you are applying for. That way if a company asks you what you expect to be paid, you can give a comprehensive answer that is not unreasonable.

CDL Training Reimbursement

Some companies offer reimbursement of CDL training tuition because it can be incredibly expensive. They are many options when it comes to this, so do not be afraid to ask a company you are applying for if this is something they offer.